The Los Angeles Rams executed another jaw-dropping trade by adding two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in exchange for draft picks and former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse. Verse, who was named to the Pro Bowl in both of his professional seasons, will now become a member of the Cleveland Browns, while Garrett joins a loaded Rams team poised to contend for a Super Bowl.
Here are five instant takeaways from the move.
The “F them picks” era is back and the bill is due next season
Before this move, the Rams were teetering on returning to the aggressive team-building policy that won them Super Bowl LVI. However, they never crossed that financial line as they have in years past. The Garrett trade blows the Rams’ financial future out of the water, especially after the team handed Matthew Stafford an extension to bring him to the top of the quarterback market, following Trent McDuffie’s record-setting deal.
With players like Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and others up for extensions, it’s now less clear than ever who will stay and who will go.
This is why the Rams drafted Ty Simpson
At some point, Stafford and his $55-60 million price tag will have to depart. Simpson would be the perfect option to maintain the consistency of the offensive production, at least to a point where the defense is able to engineer victories. Make no mistake, the offense is lethal, but the strength of the Rams resides in its defense.
Follow the money. It’s all going to the defense, and Simpson’s low cap hit over the next four to five years will help pay the bill. Plus, by taking a quarterback this year, the Rams didn’t have to save their 2027 first-round pick to draft one, allowing them to move that selection for Garrett.
The franchise has no loyalty to its players and will pay for it on the open market
Almost moving Davante Adams was bad enough, but Jared Verse was the heartbeat of the defense. He was their voice, their leader – a captain without needing the mark on his chest. Verse has a deep brotherhood with his fellow defensive linemen, especially with collegiate teammate Braden Fiske.
Verse and Young are also extremely close. The Rams have made it clear to everyone – to Verse, to Adams, even to Stafford – that no one is bigger than the program and everyone’s time is limited. Players and agents understand how this business works. They will demand more from the franchise, in exchange for the across-the-board expendability that the Rams have exercised with their roster.
The Rams have no excuse: They must win a title in 2026
The first thought that the Garrett move conjures is that the Rams have the best roster in football. However, that’s subjective. What isn’t subjective is the fact that this is the roster Sean McVay desires. Maybe it would be truly complete with A.J. Brown, but that’s a question for another time.
What cannot be argued is that this is the team McVay has always wanted in the post-Aaron Donald era. If McVay is as good as advertised, the Rams should be hoisting the Lombardi. McVay and company have no excuse. Even if injuries occur, the Rams purposefully chose which areas to leave bare. This is their choice and thus, the consequences are theirs to own. Sometimes the consequences are championships, so one has to respect the boldness of the move, regardless of cost.
The next five years will define Sean McVay’s legacy
Take the last 10 years and file it away for McVay. It does not matter. He has his success, he has his ring. McVay is one of a select few who we can call a future Hall of Famer. However, there’s a difference between Hall of Famers and all-time greats.
McVay is in a group of those who were more than great, but should’ve been more than they were. For a genius tactician and a culture builder, McVay’s ability to control both sides of coaching should’ve established a dynasty already. But dynasties are hard. Winning titles is hard. Some win early, like Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh, before never winning it again.
Some wait forever, like Andy Reid, before rallying off three rings in five years. Whatever it is, McVay needs another title to cement himself as an all-time great.
To trade a future franchise cornerstone in Verse, a year before he hits his physical prime, is a bold move that could bite the Rams. A record-setting pass rusher coming back could be exactly what McVay needs.
Jimmy Johnson may have had the triplets in Dallas, but Charles Haley secured the dynasty. Garrett is McVay’s Charles Haley – in theory. Now let’s see how it plays out in reality.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 big takeaways from Rams’ stunning trade for Myles Garrett
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
